Consultations resume on the Auditor General Bill 2026 to strengthen OAG independence and public accountability
Consultations on the Auditor General Bill 2026 have resumed following Cabinet approval to continue the process after the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) assumed office.
The latest consultation was held this week with the newly formed Public Accounts Committee (PAC) at the Paul Tovua Complex at the National Parliament in Honiara.
Consultations on the Bill first began earlier this year to gather stakeholder input on the proposed legislation, which covers strengthening public sector accountability and enhancing the Office of the Auditor General’s (OAG) independence, structure and autonomy.
To date, consultations have been conducted with government ministries, state-owned enterprises, the private sector, non-government organisations, civil society organisations, integrity institutions and other key stakeholders.
Speaking to members of the Public Accounts Committee, Auditor General David Teika Dennis emphasised the importance of continuing consultations on the proposed legislation.
“It is important that consultations into the proposed bill continue, to speed up the process of making it into a law, to ensure we are fully independent, and well-resourced to audit and report on public finances and the performance of the public sector. The resumption of engaging with our important stakeholders was made possible with assistance from Australia, and we are very grateful for the support for the resumed consultations.”
Mr Dennis said the current legislation governing the Office of the Auditor General is outdated and requires reform.
“The current legislation governing the work of my office is currently outdated, thus the need for a new Bill that ensures we do our work effectively and independently. Through the consultations, we hope to hear from our stakeholders and the public about their views on the proposed bill, which is an important requirement before the Bill can be passed in Parliament.”
Public Accounts Committee Chairman and Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, described the proposed legislation as an important step towards strengthening accountability for the use of public funds.
“We fully support this bill. The Office of the Auditor General needs to be independent to do its job effectively and the public also needs to know how public funds are being handled and spent.”
“We must be accountable when it comes to public funds and if the CDF Act can penalize Constituency Development Officers as well as Parliament members, it is fair that the bill ensures the same be done for public servants entrusted with public funds.”
“If we believe in transparency and accountability, and in moving Solomon Islands forward, then all of us in the Executive Government, the Opposition and the Independent group must support the bill when it comes to Parliament for the benefit of our people and the country.”
Consultations will continue with the wider community before the Auditor General Bill 2026 is presented to the National Parliament for deliberation and debate ahead of its expected passage into law.
Source:// Office of the Auditor General Press Release
